Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
The Vision of a Great Leader
Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025
1. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Marker
Viva la Independencia!
‘Muerte al mal gobierno!
Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!
With those exclamations Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla urged his countrymen to join in the battle for Mexico's independence. Father Hidalgo had a vision for a better government and a better future for all Mexicans, a future lived in freedom and in triumph.
Miguel Hidalgo was born on the Corralejo hacienda near Penjamo, Guanajuato on May 8, 1753. In 1778, he was ordained a priest and in 1803 he was assigned to the parish of Dolores in Guanajuato. By 1809, Hidalgo had joined a secret society dedicated to freeing Mexico from the oppression of the Spanish colonial government. When alerted by Josefa Ortiz de Domingues that the revolutionary plot had been discovered, Hidalgo consulted with other leaders and decided to begin the uprising immediately. On September 17, 1810, bells pealed calling the people to the church, where Hidalgo issued "El Grito de Dolores". Carrying a banner depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico, Hidalgo proclaimed the start of the crusade and was joined by thousands of Mexicans who responded to the summons to join in the struggle for independence. On May 21, 1811, Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende and other leaders of the Mexican army were taken prisoners and executed. September 16th is celebrated as
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Hispanic Americans • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1753.
Location. 30° 16.082′ N, 97° 44.827′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It is at the intersection of West 5th Street and Guadalupe Street, on the right when traveling east on West 5th Street. The marker is located along the north side of the Republic Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 421 1/2 W 5th St, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jose Maria Morelos y Pavσn (here, next to this marker); Guadalupe Park and Austin's Mexico / El Guadalupe Park y El "Mιxico" de Austin (a few steps from this marker); Park History / Historia del Parque (within shouting distance of this marker); The Soul of the Square / El Alma de Republic Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Old B.J. Smith Property (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall (about 700 feet away); James T. Brown House (about 700 feet away); Eugene Bremond House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Also see . . .
Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025
2. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Marker
Don Miguel Gregorio Antonio Ignacio Hidalgo y Costilla Gallaga Mandarte y Villaseρor (8 May 1753 30 July 1811), commonly known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla or simply Miguel Hidalgo, was a Catholic priest, leader of the Mexican War of Independence, and is recognized as the Father of the Nation.(Submitted on February 25, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025
3. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
